Volunteer Enterprise Advisers scoop awards

Business people who volunteered to take part in an innovative scheme to give young people an insight into Lancashire's businesses have been recognised for their support.

The Enterprise Adviser Network aims to raise the aspirations of young people across Lancashire, and help them to make informed choices about their future career.

21 business leaders from companies such as Accrol Papers Ltd of Blackburn, VEKA Plc, Burnley, and Herbert Parkinson, Darwen, were awarded certificates of recognition for their roles as enterprise advisers at a celebration event at The Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Accrington.

The first Enterprise Adviser Network was set up in January this year in Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley. The response from the two local business networks, the Burnley Bondholders and the HIVE, was overwhelming.

The Enterprise Adviser Network is now being rolled out across the rest of East Lancashire (Pendle, Hyndburn and Rossendale), and also Blackpool, Morecambe and Preston this academic year, and the rest of Lancashire from September 2017 by the LEP and its delivery partner, Inspira.

Mr Booth said: "I want to thank all the volunteers who have given up their time to work as Enterprise Advisers. They are doing an invaluable job raising pupils’ aspirations, providing an insight into the world of work, and enabling young people to make informed choices about their future.

"This is a fantastic initiative which will improve the prospects of thousands of Lancashire’s young people, as well as helping provide a pipeline of talent to fuel future business growth which is a key part of the LEP’s ambitious strategic plan to transform the county’s economy."

Claudia Harris said: "I’m delighted to help present these awards in recognition of the work our Enterprise Advisers do in supporting young people in Lancashire.

"Our network relies on the drive and commitment of local senior business volunteers to help equip young people with the skills they need to make the successful transition from the world of education to the world of work.

"They provide a huge amount of knowledge and expertise and along with our partners in the LEP, we will continue to do all we can to help ensure that young people in Lancashire are informed and inspired to unlock their full career potential."